Proper Use

Inhaled fluticasone is used to prevent asthma attacks. It is not used to relieve an attack that has already started. For relief of an asthma attack that has already started, you should use another medicine. If you do not have another medicine to use for an attack or if you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.

Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. Also, do not stop using this medicine without telling your doctor. To do so may increase the chance of side effects. The full benefit of this medicine may take 1 to 2 weeks or longer to achieve.

Inhaled fluticasone comes with patient information leaflet. Read the instructions carefully before using this medicine. If you do not understand the directions or you are not sure how to use the inhaler, ask your doctor to show you what to do. Also, ask your doctor to check regularly how you use the inhaler to make sure you are using it properly.

In order for this medicine to help prevent asthma attacks, it must be used every day in regularly spaced doses, as ordered by your doctor.

Gargling and rinsing your mouth with water after each dose may help prevent hoarseness, throat irritation, and infection in the mouth. However, do not swallow the water after rinsing.

To use the Arnuity™ Ellipta®:

This medicine comes in foil tray. Peel back the lid to open.

Before you use this medicine, the counter should show the number 30. The counter counts down by 1 each time you open the cover.

Open the cover of the inhaler until you hear a clicking sound. The inhaler is now ready to use.

Do not close the cover until you have taken your dose. If you open and close the cover without inhaling the dose, you will lose the medicine.

Hold the inhaler away from your mouth and breathe out fully. Do not breathe out into the mouthpiece.

Close your lips around the mouthpiece. Do not cover the air holes on the side of the mouthpiece.

Breathe in through your mouth as steadily and as deeply as you can until you have taken a full deep breath. Do not breathe in through your nose.

Hold your breath and remove the mouthpiece from your mouth. Continue holding your breath as long as you can up to 3 to 4 seconds before breathing out. This gives the medicine time to settle in your airways and lungs.

Hold the inhaler well away from your mouth and breathe out slowly and gently.

You may clean the mouthpiece with a dry tissue before you close the cover.

When the dose counter reaches "10", call your doctor or pharmacist if refill is needed. Throw away the inhaler when the dose counter is at "0".

To use the Flovent® HFA inhaler:

When you use the inhaler for the first time, or if you have not used it for 4 weeks or longer, it may not deliver the right amount of medicine with the first puff. Therefore, before using the inhaler, prime it by spraying the medicine into the air four times. (Spray the inhaler once into the air if it has not been used in 1 to 3 weeks.) The inhaler will now be ready to give the right amount of medicine when you use it.

Shake the inhaler well for 15 seconds immediately before each use.

Take the cap off the mouthpiece (the strap will stay attached to the actuator). Check the mouthpiece and remove any foreign objects. Make sure the canister is fully and firmly inserted into the actuator.

Hold the mouthpiece away from your mouth and breathe out slowly and completely.

Use the inhalation method recommended by your doctor.

Open-mouth method—Place the mouthpiece about 1 or 2 inches (two fingerwidths) in front of your widely opened mouth. Make sure the inhaler is aimed into your mouth so that the spray does not hit the roof of your mouth or your tongue.

Closed-mouth method—Place the mouthpiece in your mouth between your teeth and over your tongue, with your lips closed tightly around it. Do not block the mouthpiece with your teeth or tongue.

Tilt your head back a little. Start to breathe in slowly and deeply through your mouth and, at the same time, press the top of the canister one time to get one puff of the medicine. Continue to breathe in slowly for 5 to 10 seconds. Count the seconds while inhaling. It is important to press the top of the canister and breathe in slowly at the same time so the medicine is pulled into your lungs. This step may be difficult at first. If you are using the closed-mouth method and you see a fine mist coming from your mouth or nose, the inhaler is not being used correctly.

Hold your breath as long as you can up to 10 seconds. This gives the medicine time to settle in your airways and lungs. Take the mouthpiece away from your mouth and breathe out slowly.

If your doctor has told you to inhale more than one puff of medicine at each dose, wait about 30 seconds and then gently shake the inhaler again, and take the second puff following exactly the same steps you used for the first puff.

When you are finished, wipe off the mouthpiece and replace the cover to keep the mouthpiece clean and free of foreign objects.

The inhaler has a dose counter that keeps track of how many more times you can use it before you need to open a new one. When the dose counter reaches "020", call your doctor or pharmacist if refill is needed.

If the dose counter is not working correctly, do not use the inhaler and return it to your pharmacy or doctor. Do not change the numbers or remove the counter from the canister. .

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

For preventing an asthma attack:

For inhalation dosage form (aerosol):

Adults and children 12 years of age and older—88 to 880 micrograms (mcg) two times a day, morning and evening.

Children 4 to 11 years of age—88 mcg two times a day.

Children younger than 4 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor. .

For inhalation dosage form (powder):

Adults and children 12 years of age and older—At first, 100 micrograms (mcg) once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 200 mcg per day.

Children younger than 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep the medicine in the foil pouch until you are ready to use it. Store at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze.

Store the canister at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze. Do not keep this medicine inside a car where it could be exposed to extreme heat or cold. Do not poke holes in the canister or throw it into a fire, even if the canister is empty.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.